Pups seek league crown

Wednesday

Oct 22, 2014 at 11:55 AM

Dynasty, thou art a dog.

Dynasty, thou art a dog.

A Caney Valley Bullpup, to be exact.

On Friday, the Pups will take aim on their sixth-straight Tri-Valley League crown — and their 41st consecutive win in league play — a streak that began when George W. was still sleeping in the White House — when they hit the road for Neodesha, Kan.

Also on the line will be a guaranteed spot in next month’s Class 3A playoffs.

"We would be league champs if we won," noted Caney Valley head coach Criss Davis. "We’re trying to win our sixth straight league title. Our first goal always is to win the league and secondly is to get into the driver’s seat in the playoffs."

This year’s Caney Valley-Neodesha showdown could be a potential blockbuster.

Both teams are 6-1 overall; Caney Valley is 6-0 in league games and Neodesha is 5-1.

Caney Valley has the better numbers, however, averaging 41.8 points per game in league, compared to 36.5 for Neodesha. The Pups also are allowing only 7.3 points against league foes, compared to 14.0 by the Blue Streaks.

But, matchup against the Blue Streaks has Davis’ full attention.

"They run the football well," said Davis. "They have a couple of big linemen, who are 275, 270. They put them on the same side and they like to run a lot of power and lot of counter … with the tight end on one side and double wings, with the quarterback in shotgun and a back behind him. … They’ve also got a little speed in the backfield, which always worries you."

The key for the Caney Valley defense is "to try and to be able to offset their speed," Davis said. "They’ve got a quick, little quarterback and we have to make sure we keep him contained."

The Blue Streaks are capable of airing the ball out with a decent degree of proficiency, but "they are mainly a running team." Davis said.

On the defensive side, Neodesha likes to play gap control up front, trying to draw a double team on their linemen and opening up lanes for the linebackers to make plays.

Caney Valley will counter with a multi-pronged running attack that includes four ground warriors who have rushed for 100 yards in at least one game. The quartet of triple-digit ballcarriers includes quarterback Levi Wyrick, runningbacks Colton Stalford and Bryce Short and fullback Ethan Gustus.

Opening the door for the Pups’ running game is a gritty offensive line, anchored by Brycen Gullick at center. Other primary bulls in the pit for the Pups include Mitchell Simpson, Austin Waltrip, Jacen Clapp and Wyatt Anderson. Gustus and Alej McCarrell also step in at times on the line.

The key to success at this time of year hangs on three aspects of the game, Davis said — winning turnover battle, playing better on special teams and in the field position game, and "just trying to play the game. … This time of year, you usually win with defense. … I think our offense will take care of itself. … It’s a fun time of year."

Davis also expects his underclassmen to play hard for the eight active-roster seniors. A ninth senior, Jake Todd, suffered a knee injury earlier this year.